Lecture - Thursday 26 November 2009

CREATING THE ORGANISMS THAT EVOLUTION FORGOT?

An 'Any Questions' debate on synthetic biology

Thursday 26 November 2009, 6pm

Old Theatre, Ground Floor, Old Building

London School of Economics

http://www2.lse.ac.uk/mapsAndDirections/Home.aspx

Bioengineers are trying to create synthetic organisms that do not occur naturally - is this an amazing scientific feat and harbinger of new medicines, more advanced biofuels and environmentally friendly pesticides, or is this another example of scientific hubris with unforeseen consequences, whose dangers and risks outweigh any potential benefits? This public debate brings together leading actors in synthetic biology to answer questions put to them by the audience.

Panelists

* Dr Philip Campbell | Editor-in-Chief, Nature

* Professor Paul Freemont | Co-Director, EPSRC Centre for Synthetic Biology and Innovation, Imperial College

* Professor Richard Kitney | Co-Director, EPSRC Centre for Synthetic Biology and Innovation, Imperial College

* Professor Nikolas Rose | Director, BIOS Centre, LSE

* Mr Hugh Whittall | Director, Nuffield Council on Bioethics

* Dr James Wilsdon | Director, Science Policy Centre, Royal Society

Chair

*Quentin Cooper | Presenter of the most listened to science series in the UK: BBC Radio 4´s The Material World

This is the launch event for the BIOS Centre's involvement in the new EPSRC Centre for Synthetic Biology and Innovation (CSynBI), based at Imperial College London.

The lecture is free and open to all with no ticket required.

The lecture will be followed by a drinks reception in the Atrium, Ground Floor, Old Building. Please confirm your attendance at the reception by emailing bios@lse.ac.uk, stating any specific dietary requirements.

For further event information contact the BIOS Centre: bios@lse.ac.uk | 020 7955 6998